Young Girl Declared Cancer-Free After Rare Brain Tumor Battle

A young girl named Marlee Kate has been declared free of cancer after undergoing surgery and proton radiation for ependymoma, a rare form of brain tumor, according to updates shared by her mother, Ashlyn Brooke Keith.

Earlier this year, doctors diagnosed Marlee with the cancerous tumor, thrusting the family into a period of intense medical intervention and uncertainty. She underwent major brain surgery in which the tumor was successfully removed in its entirety. This was followed by weeks of proton radiation therapy aimed at eliminating any residual cancer cells. The family noted that chemotherapy was not expected to be required.

Throughout the ordeal, Ashlyn Brooke Keith publicly shared the emotional challenges of the journey while emphasizing her faith. She repeatedly asked supporters for prayers and expressed trust in God’s plan, writing at one point: “Our God is so so good and we trust the plan He has for our baby.” As follow-up scans approached, Marlee herself was nervous yet prayed for healing; she also drew courage from listening to Taylor Swift, her mother reported.

The results of those scans brought the news the family had been waiting for. “God is good. Our girl is CANCER FREE,” Ashlyn announced.

ADVERTISEMENT

Doctors had already been optimistic after the complete surgical resection, with radiation intended as additional protection against recurrence. The clear scans marked a major milestone after months of treatment, hospital visits, fear, and recovery.

Ependymoma is an uncommon tumor that arises from cells lining the ventricles of the brain or the central canal of the spinal cord. It accounts for a small percentage of childhood central nervous system tumors and is more frequently diagnosed in younger children.

Standard treatment prioritizes the most complete surgical removal possible, followed by radiation. Proton therapy is often preferred in pediatric cases because it can deliver a precise dose to the tumor bed while reducing exposure to surrounding healthy tissue, which is especially important for developing brains.

Modern series of children treated with surgery plus proton radiation report five-year overall survival rates in the range of roughly 80–85 percent when the tumor is fully resected, though outcomes vary by tumor location, grade, molecular subtype, and residual disease.

Marlee’s story has circulated widely on social media, where it has been embraced by many as an example of courage, medical progress, and the power of prayer. Her mother has continued to ask for ongoing support as the child recovers and heals. The family’s experience reflects both the advances in pediatric neuro-oncology and the personal strength drawn from faith during a life-altering diagnosis.

Continued monitoring will remain important, as is standard after treatment for ependymoma. For now, the clear scans have given Marlee Kate and her family a hard-won moment of relief and gratitude.